U.S. general admits the existence of squid camouflage: “I saw these soldiers become invisible”

Each year, science fiction feels a little less like fiction. A US Army general has raised eyebrows with a startling claim: “I saw these soldiers turn invisible.” It wasn’t magic, but the result of a cutting-edge camouflage technology inspired by one of the ocean’s most extraordinary creatures – the squid.

Understanding the squid camouflage

According to reports, researchers at the University of California, Irvine, working with the US Marine Biology Laboratory, have developed a flexible, elastic material that can adapt to its surroundings in real time, even masking the human body’s thermal signature. The breakthrough, which prompted the general’s astonished response, makes soldiers virtually invisible to drones and infrared sensors – essential surveillance tools on modern battlefields.

The inspiration came straight from biology. Squid can change the texture and color of their skin in seconds to blend into their environment. By replicating this natural ability, scientists have created a membrane that reacts to environmental stimuli, adjusting both temperature and appearance to merge seamlessly into the surroundings – visually and thermally.

Camouflage beyond the battlefield

The potential civilian uses of this technology are vast. From wildlife conservation, where it could help protect endangered species from poachers, to smart clothing that changes color or buildings that blend into urban landscapes, the possibilities extend far beyond the military. Industries such as security, film, and fashion could also find applications.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the implications are as obvious as they are profound. Effective thermal camouflage could transform the very strategies of warfare, offering a decisive tactical edge. Lighter gear, greater mobility, and the ability to operate undetected by infrared systems could mark the beginning of a new era in modern combat.

It remains unclear when this system will be deployed in combat, but the US Army has already begun real-world tests. And if top commanders insist they’ve seen soldiers “turn invisible,” the future of war – and of many other industries – may be on the verge of permanent change.

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